The Book Woman of Troublesome Creek

Content Warning: This section of the guide contains discussion of racism, ableism, child sexual abuse, and physical abuse.

Gather initial thoughts and broad opinions about the book.

1. This novel was released in the same year as Jojo Moyes’s The Giver of Stars. Upon Moyes’s publication, Richardson advanced allegations of plagiarism against Moyes. Richardson noted similarities in theme, setting, and plot, as both novels discuss the WPA Pack Horse Librarians in the Kentucky hills in the 1930s. Ultimately, these allegations were not pursued. If you’ve read both books, what similarities and differences in theme, character, and plot do you notice?

2. This novel is followed by a sequel, The Book Woman’s Daughter. Do you feel engaged and interested enough to read the sequel, and if so, what about this novel stoked your interest?

Encourage readers to connect the book’s themes and characters with their personal experiences.

1. Considering the novel’s topics of prejudice and abuse, did any parts of the novel evoke a particularly strong emotional response in you? Did you find value in that response? Why or why not?

2. Cussy Mary eventually bonds with Jackson over their love of books.